Psoriasis
It presents as dry patches of skin that look scaly, initially red or pink with the scales looking silvery or grey, which can become sore and itchy, and sometimes cracking and bleeding. It may need emollient or medicated creams but is not contagious and cannot be caught by being in close contact to others.
Some research suggests that certain lifestyle changes and diets can help but appears to be different for everyone. It is recommended that keeping a food diary to monitor any improvement, changed and patterns can be helpful. You can potential cut out certain foods such as dairy which may be a trigger, plus eating more foods that reduce inflammation in the body.
Psoriasis generally appears on areas such as the knees, elbows, lower back, and scalp. Quite often individuals with Psoriasis will find that their nails are affected, developing pitting and denting, growing abnormally, or becoming discoloured, even splitting, and crumbling in severe cases.
Although there are different types of Psoriasis, Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris) as shown in the above picture, is the most common. Individuals can find that their condition goes in cycles, lasting for weeks or months, with periods where it stops or clears.
Other types of Psoriasis are:
- Scalp Psoriasis – in some cases the individual can experience hair loss.
- Inverse (flexural) Psoriasis – affects the folds and creases in the skin, made worse by the friction of clothes and sweating.
- Guttate Psoriasis – presents as small tear dropped sores on the scalp, legs, arms, and chest, which is generally caused following a streptococcal throat infection.
- Pustular Psoriasis – presenting as pus filled blisters that can affect different areas on the body.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis – this can affect the skin on the entire body, which can be severe leading to hospitalisation.
- Palmoplantar Pustulosis – affecting the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
- Generalised Pustular Psoriasis or von Zumbusch – this is a rare form that often needs emergency treatment. When it starts the individual can experience fevers, chills, fatigue, and weight loss.
References: –
Psoriasis Association: types of psoriasis
Psoriasis – Symptoms – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
